Buxworth Church is 200

2026 marks the 200th anniversary year at Brierley Green Congregational Church.

In 1826 a School Room was built entirely by public subscription, the labour of carting stone etc being entirely done voluntarily by the farmers and team-owners of the district. The school provided lessons for local children with the teachers living above the premises.

Supported by Chinley Chapel and its minister Rev Ebenezer Glossop, Sunday services and a Sunday School were held in the school room in the congregational form. In 1884 the village "board" school was established and the "School room" continued to be used for Sunday school and services. The church were fundraising to add a new Chapel adjacent to the School Room as the work of God grew.

In 1891 due to the death of trustees, disaster struck. The remaining trustee was powerless to act alone so the building was put up for auction by the Charity Commissioners who held the deeds. The Congregationalists, who had maintained the school room for years found themselves bidding against a member of the public for their own building. Though they were successful the money raised towards a new Chapel was used up to buy their own building.

In 1905 work after funds recovered, building started on the Chapel. There is a booklet detailing the full history available to buy at church.

Today the church meets for services at 3pm on Sunday and have regular Lego Church for families, prayer meetings and are involved in the community. For the anniversary the members wanted to create something to last into future years and decided on a community garden which is flourishing with produce being used for the Harvest meal on September 20

All are welcome to celebrate 200 years with the Old Fashioned Sing with Whaley Bridge Brass Band at 3pm on 4th October.

Further details of the church activities are on facebook or contact the pastor, Rev. Robert Cross at [email protected]